We are proud to share that two projects by Karres and Brands have been included in the Yearbook of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture 2025. Both Hart van Zuid in Rotterdam South and De Heuvel in Breda are featured in the category “Legacies”. This category focuses on modernist urban plans that were ambitious and forward-looking at the time of their inception, but over the years proved to be vulnerable or problematic. The selected projects demonstrate how such modernist “challenging legacies” can be given a new future through a careful and intelligent approach.

Hart van Zuid, Rotterdam: The Hart van Zuid area transformation connects urban renewal with strong social and cultural anchoring. By clustering facilities, improving public space and strengthening connections, a monofunctional and fragmented area has been transformed into a vibrant urban district with significance for both the neighbourhood and the city.

De Heuvel, Breda: In the post-war residential neighbourhood of De Heuvel, revaluing the original urban design qualities is central. Through densification, greening and a new balance between collective and private space, the neighbourhood is given a second life, while preserving its character and identity.

The inclusion of these projects in the yearbook highlights the importance of a design attitude rooted in reinterpretation, continuity and future value. We thank all the partners involved with whom we worked on these projects and who made these “challenging legacies” possible.